Mainstream Hollywood movies can always use new talent, as actors/actresses from the states tend to have a short shelf life. So what's keeping them from using foreign actresses that shine in their debuts, only to get a token role before saying adieu? Cinematical's Christopher Campbell investigates, starting with Audrey Tautou.

She was allegedly warned against doing the Hollywood thing by Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (who had his own failure with Alien: Resurrection) and even seemed to obey him for a while there. But five years after winning the hearts of film geeks the world over, she cashed in big time by starring opposite none other than Tom Hanks in one of the most anticipated films of the decade, The Da Vinci Code. The mainstream audiences didn't fall as hard for her in that, but she doesn't seem to mind, preferring to maintain permanent residence in Paris while at least being a member of the Academy.

Four similar examples at the link, including Franke Potente and Monica Belluci. These girls are great actresses, so why don't they make a splash with American audiences?